North Loop restaurant vies for liquor license, French bakery coming to downtown

We first reported about this North Loop restaurant - then called Tangiers Eatery and Lounge - almost a year ago, but now it looks like this place is getting a few steps closer to actually opening its doors. The restaurant, now known as The Tangiers, has streamlined its name, solidified its plans with the city of Minneapolis, and on Monday night general manager Behnad Taheri presented those plans (including a request for a liquor license) at a public hearing at City Hall, reports the Downtown Journal.

The 4,000 square foot restaurant does not yet have a confirmed opening date, but according to the inspector's report it will have space for about 150 patrons including seats at what they hope will be a full-service bar. For now the proposed menu lists "flatbread sandwiches, paninis, salads, appetizers, shared plates, and desserts" among its items and plans to be open from 4:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Wednesday to Sunday.

And further downtown, a new French bakery is preparing to open on 12th & Nicollet in the former Dahl Pharmacy space which closed in 2010. The inspector's report states that French Corner Bakery & Bistro's goal is "to become a neighborhood eatery and part of the local community by providing a cozy atmosphere where customers can purchase quality baked goods or enjoy a meal in the restaurant area." To that end they will have coffee and pastries, breakfast, and soups, salad, and box lunches to-go. French Corner Bakery & Bistro also plans to serve wine and strong beer.